Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I sat down with Julianne Fraser, founder and CEO of Dialogue NYC, a marketing and strategy consultancy bridging the gap between purpose-driven brands and the ever-evolving world of digital influence. With a deep understanding of the influencer and social media marketing space, Julianne built Dialogue on the belief that influence should be rooted in authenticity and trust, not just reach. Her work centers on crafting intentional campaigns that align brands with creators who genuinely reflect their values and cultivate long-term loyalty.Before launching Dialogue in 2017, Julianne built a career across top agencies and startups, where she noticed a recurring pattern: brands chasing fast, surface-level partnerships without investing in real connections or storytelling. However, she knew this was a key part to thoughtful content strategy. Drawing from years of experience across both traditional and emerging platforms, Julianne developed a vision for a more thoughtful approach to influencer marketing, one that prioritized relationship-building, creative alignment and lasting impact. With that mindset, she stepped out on her own and began building the foundation for what would become a trusted consultancy grounded in purpose and perspective.In this episode, Julianne shares what it’s been like to grow a company in an industry that rarely slows down. From building trust with creators to managing rapid shifts in the digital landscape, she reflects on the importance of boundaries, long-term thinking and protecting the integrity of the brands she represents. We also talk about how she’s built a business model that leaves space for real life, something she believes is critical to both creative energy and sustainable growth.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Julianne (@juliannefraser) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s a 10 Haircare. Before becoming one of the few female entrepreneurs in the beauty industry to own and operate her own brand, Carolyn spent decades behind the chair as a stylist and salon owner, learning firsthand what both professionals and everyday consumers needed from their products. She didn’t just study the market; she lived it. Carolyn’s early life taught her resilience and self-reliance, qualities that would become central to her entrepreneurial path.This, however, wasn’t Carolyn’s first venture in beauty. Her first line didn’t succeed, but it gave her the hard-earned lessons she needed to get it right the second time around. She took everything she learned, the missteps, the financial risks, the hard-won insights, and applied it to what would become one of the most recognizable hair care brands in the country. In this episode, Carolyn shares how staying independent gave her the freedom to lead on her own terms. She talks openly about learning from failure, launching without outside funding, and the importance of creating products that work for all hair types.Today, It’s a 10 is sold in more than 25,000 salons and retailers across the country, but getting there meant making bold choices and sticking to her guns. Carolyn shares how staying true to her vision, even when it meant going against industry norms, was the key to building a brand that stands out. If you're navigating your own path, questioning the rules, or wondering what it really takes to succeed on your terms, this episode offers a powerful reminder that sometimes the most successful route is the one you create for yourself.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Carolyn (@itsa10ceo) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Aliett Buttelman, co-founder of Fazit Beauty, the cosmetics startup making waves with its viral glitter freckle makeup patches. Fresh out of college, Aliett launched her own consulting company, which led her to Nina LaBruna, who at the time had just started her own skin care company. The two teamed up in a dorm room and formed the powerhouse partnership we know today. What began as a brand focused on skin care patches for acne scars and ingrown hairs began to evolve when a playful idea, using a paper stencil to apply makeup in seconds, became the catalyst for Fazit’s breakout success.At first unsure how the idea fit into Fazit’s vision, Aliett took the leap after testing the product in public. One dinner reservation, a VIP table and a flood of compliments later, she knew they had something big. What started as a playful experiment turned into a viral sensation and a surprise wear by none other than Taylor Swift. In this episode, Aliett shares what it’s taken to keep up with the demand, stay ahead of copycats and invent products that blend joy, convenience and creativity. She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship in your 20s, the pressure to scale fast and what it’s like to go viral while still figuring it all out behind the scenes.Aliett’s story is a reminder that some of the most disruptive ideas are born out of a willingness to take risks, even when the path forward isn’t fully clear. Her journey proves that innovation doesn’t always come from industry veterans or massive budgets, but from founders who are deeply connected to their community, curious about what’s next and unafraid to rethink how beauty can look, feel and function. Whether you’re building a brand, searching for your next creative spark or just love a good product origin story, this episode is a front-row seat to the future of beauty, sparkly freckles and all.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Aliett (@aliettbutts) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Amy Shoenthal, bestselling author, journalist, and the mind behind “The Setback Cycle,” a framework for turning life’s most difficult moments into launching pads for growth. A seasoned writer for outlets like Forbes and Fast Company, Amy spent years interviewing founders, creatives, and executives, only to realize the one thing they all had in common: a major setback.What started as a “journalism side hustle” to put her ambitious energy somewhere when her job was no longer serving her, became a research-backed journey into what happens when things fall apart and how those moments can lead to reinvention. In this conversation, Amy shares how subtle setbacks, like quietly being sidelined at work after maternity leave, often shape us just as powerfully as the dramatic ones. She breaks down the four phases of the setback cycle, offers actionable steps to help you identify and move through your own, and reminds us that success doesn’t always look like a straight line forward.From slingshot neuroscience to slumped ceilings in fashion studios, Amy's insights are a lifeline for anyone sitting in the discomfort of a stalled career, strained relationship, or uncertain next step, unsure if it’s an ending or a new beginning. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Amy (@amysho) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Tieghan Gerard, founder of the beloved food brand and blog Half Baked Harvest. Powered by homegrown creativity, consistency, and a deep love for beautiful, nourishing food, Tieghan started documenting her recipes and eventually, Half Baked Harvest was born. With four bestselling cookbooks and millions of fans, she’s turned persistence into her superpower.But beneath the dreamy food photos is a savvy entrepreneur who’s learned how to scale, sustain, and evolve in an ever-changing digital world. From launching products to growing her team, slowly but surely, Tieghan shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of delegation, burnout, and learning to loosen her grip without losing her vision. She’s refreshingly honest about the grind, the growth, and the support it takes to build something that lasts.Tieghan’s story is a reminder that longevity trumps virality, and that success doesn’t require perfection, but persistence. We talk about what inspires her, what drains her, and how she stays original in a sea of food trends and copycats. With a grounded sense of self and a vision rooted in quality over quantity, she proves that you don’t need to do it all, just the things that matter most. Whether she’s talking about building her email list, battling burnout, or dodging AI content theft, her message is clear: own your work, know your audience, and keep showing up.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Tieghan (@halfbakedharvest) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code, the nonprofit on a mission to change the face of tech. Before joining Black Girls Code, Cristina built a career in film and television, where her curiosity about how to reach audiences between releases led her into the world of technology. What began as a quest to better engage fans soon evolved into a passion for using tech to drive impact and inclusion. Cristina is leading a powerful expansion of the organization’s focus: beyond teaching girls to code, she’s focused on launching them into the rooms where decisions are made. With her, Black Girls Code has grown to include not just education, but inspiration and real-world opportunity, ensuring that girls and women of color not only learn the skills, but build the confidence and community to thrive in tech. Mancini’s vision is clear: access isn’t enough, especially in a society in which “people are developing technologies that are not built with inclusion in mind.” Under her leadership, Black Girls Code has evolved beyond education, expanding into college campuses and adult programs that inspire, equip, and launch talent into real-world careers. Whether it’s helping a girl build her first app or ensuring she lands a paid internship, Cristina is building a future where representation is the rule, not the exception.In a world where AI and emerging technologies are shaping everything from healthcare to hiring, Cristina is clear: inclusion isn’t optional, it’s crucial. From building out summer camps and national programming to creating pathways for paid internships and leadership, she’s working to ensure no girl is left behind just because the tech world wasn’t built with her in mind. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Cristina (@crisbmancini) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Nayeema Raza, creator and host of the newly launched podcast Smart Girl, Dumb Questions. With a background spanning global consulting, documentary storytelling and top-charting podcasts, Nayeema decided it was time to create something entirely her own. In this episode, she shares how a childhood shaped by constant change made her comfortable with reinvention, and why staying still has always felt more foreign than starting over. For Nayeema, comfort has never been the goal. It’s the cue that it’s time to move on. Her path has been guided less by long-term plans and more by instinct: when something starts feeling too safe, that’s her “clue to unlock the next thing.”She opens up about what drew her to launch a show built on curiosity, and why asking the “dumb” questions out loud matters more than ever. We talk about what it means to redefine ambition on your own terms, the pressure of being both the business and the brand, and the surprising freedom that can come from a failed milestone. Whether it was ending a long-term relationship, starting over in New York at 31, or launching a podcast from scratch, Nayeema’s path proves that reinvention isn’t just possible, it can be joyful, curious and entirely your own.From navigating the realities of running her own show to reshaping what mastery looks like, Nayeema is creating a space where not knowing isn’t a weakness, it’s the starting point. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the smartest thing you can do is ask the question everyone else is too afraid to say out loud. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Nayeema (@nayeemaraza) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

On this episode of SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Gail Becker, founder of Caulipower, the better-for-you brand that redefined the frozen pizza aisle and became one of the fastest-growing food startups in the U.SAfter years climbing the corporate ladder, Gail realized the view at the top wasn’t what she thought it’d be. With no background in the food industry, she poured herself into solving a personal problem: finding nutritious, gluten-free food her sons with celiac disease would actually enjoy. What started with a 90-minute homemade cauliflower crust pizza recipe turned into a national sensation, earning Caulipower over $100 million in revenue within five years. We talk about building a company later in life, raising capital as a female founder, staying true to your mission, and what it means to define success on your own terms. Gail shares what it really felt like to walk away from the safety of a steady job, the highs and lows of starting over later in life, as well as it being what ultimately equip her for the hardships of taking on an industry you’re stranger to. We talk about the importance of admitting what you don’t know and when to ask for help. To take stock of what you’re not good at and be open to educating yourself for the better of your brand. Whether you're in a career rut, thinking about launching something new, or unsatisfied with Big Food, this conversation is your sign to bet on yourself.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Gail (@gailbecker) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen 

This week on SUPERWOMEN, I’m joined by Rosa Li, founder and CEO of Wildwonder, the world’s first sparkling prebiotic and probiotic drink inspired by heritage tonics and California produce stands. When Rosa’s high-stress finance job left her feeling depleted and dealing with digestive issues, she looked inward and backward. Drawing from her grandmother’s traditional herbal tonics, Rosa started tinkering in her kitchen, rediscovering the power of plants, botanicals, and food as medicine.In this episode, Rosa opens up about the early days of Wildwonder, from chasing co-packers to hand-delivering drinks door-to-door, Rosa’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary. She shares how she bootstrapped her business during the pandemic, transformed rejection into resilience, and landed on the shelves of Whole Foods, Target, and 5,000+ retailers across the U.S. Rosa also dives into the cultural influences that shaped her, what it looks like to create a mission-driven brand in a male-dominated space, and why vulnerability and resourcefulness are her secret weapons in both life and business. Whether you’re a founder, a foodie, or just someone figuring it out as you go, Rosa’s journey proves that success doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from showing up again and again, in spite of the noise. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Rosa (@rosalisays) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen

On this episode of SUPERWOMEN, I sat down with Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi—the better-for-you soda brand that’s gone from tabling at the farmers’ market to one of the fastest-growing beverages in the U.S.Allison’s journey started with a gut feeling—literally. Struggling with health issues and searching for natural remedies, she discovered the benefits of apple cider vinegar. But instead of settling for the harsh taste, she hit the kitchen and created her own fix. What followed? A Whole Foods rep at the farmers market, a “Shark Tank” deal, and a rebrand that would catapult Poppi into virality and the mainstream.In this episode, she opens up about what it really took to scale Poppi: letting go of fear, maxing out credit cards, learning how to lead, building a brand from instinct, and saying no to “dumb money.” We talk team dynamics, viral TikToks, Super Bowl commercials, and why sometimes the boldest move is pausing everything to get the brand right. We also get into the power of believing in yourself, even when no one else sees the vision yet. After all, Allison is the self-proclaimed Chief Believe Officer. Whether you’re building a business or just love a good founder story, Allison’s energy, honesty, and unstoppable drive will leave you inspired—and maybe craving a can of Poppi. If you’ve ever been told “That’s not how it’s done,” this one’s for you.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to order my book, “Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.”Follow SUPERWOMEN (@rmsuperwomen) and Allison (@allisonellsworth) on Instagram.Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/rmsuperwomen